Introducing the MHD SA2, the Latest Automotive-Inspired Watch from Matthew Humphries

MHD once again play to their strengths as they release another in a growing series of automotive-inspired models. A quick refresher: designer Matthew Humphries has an impressive background in car design, and the SA2 follows MHD’s AGT automatic model (reviewed here) with updates broadly focussed on a redesigned case structure and new color combinations. Although the SA2 looks slightly iterative at first glance, the complex case structure has been completely reworked with influence directly from the suspension wishbones of hill-climb cars to create a more distinctive looking watch.

• Case Material: Stainless steel
• Dial: Black
• Dimensions: 41 x 47 x 10mm
• Crystal: Sapphire
• Water Resistance: 5 ATM
• Crown: Push/pull
• Movement: Miyota 9039
• Strap/bracelet: Black/yellow mil-strap strap
• Price: 580GBP (~$752)
• Expected Release: July 2019

The case of the MHD SA2 is made up of four parts: bezel, mid-case, case back, and exoskeleton frame. The first three parts are all DLC-coated with knurled edges, forming a barrel that sits within the frame. The combination of satin and polished surfaces in the stainless steel frame deliberately adds extra distinction between itself and the watch head.

The coloring of the dial matches that of the case; there’s a brushed black dial and black chapter ring. The yellow accents on the second hand and chapter ring are also carried through to the seat belt style mil-strap. The structured hour and minute hands are given a reasonable area of lume, and they contrast well against the dial below. That dial is of the sandwich variety, and it has cut-outs at the hour markers as well as a “rev limiter” sweep between 8:00 and 12:00, a design element also seen on their previous models.

The diameter of the watch, excluding the crown, measures 40mm and though the exoskeleton chassis appears to be both substantial and fairly flat, a pretty reasonable lug-to-lug length of 47mm should still keep it wearable for many. The total thickness of 10mm should also help it to wear well. As you will note from the images, the outer frame structure means fixed lugs with a width of 22mm. While this is a big part of the design, it does unfortunately limit strap choices.

Inside is a Miyota 9039. This is an automatic movement from the same family as the well-known 9015 caliber. The similarities are a beat rate of 28,800 bph with hand-winding and hacking functionalities, but with the 9039 there is no date wheel or accompanying crown position.

It’s clear to see that MHD put a lot of emphasis on the case design for all of their watches, and with the SA2 the interplay between the mid-case and the chassis really highlights the automotive engineering influences. Moving away from a traditional case shape and structure is always likely to create some level of trade-off in terms of comfort, functionality, and universal appeal. This watch is squarely aimed at those who appreciate more than just a chronograph and tachymeter in their motorsport inspired watches.

100 units of the MHD SA2 are being produced with delivery starting in July 2019. The preorder pricing is 580GBP, which is roughly $752 as of this writing. MHD

Let us know what you think about the latest from Matthew Humphries by dropping a comment below.